Lawn Care
Rainwater is clean when it falls from the sky, but it often picks up fertilizers and pesticides when it washes over our yards. Here are some tips to help keep our rivers and streams clean:
- Never dump yard waste in creeks or storm drains.
- Blow grass clippings back into yards and off of streets and sidewalks.
- Bag yard waste when possible to avoid having it enter the storm drainage system.
- Keep storm drains clear of yard debris.
- Re-plant bare areas to avoid soil erosion.
- Adjust sprinklers so that irrigation water does not land on streets, sidewalks or driveways.
- Consider natural alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers.
- Reduce the amount of fertilizers applied by performing a soil test first.
- Do not use pesticides or fertilizers near creek, rivers or ponds.
- Avoid applying fertilizers before a large rain storm.
- Use native plants for landscaping. They are adapted to local conditions and therefore can require less maintenance.